3Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until sides are set and centers are still soft (tops will be puffed and cracked). Let stand 3 minutes. Run small knife or metal spatula along sides of cakes to loosen. Immediately place heatproof serving plate upside down over each cup; turn plate and cup over. Remove cup. Sprinkle with additional powdered sugar. Garnish with kumquats. Serve warm.

Notes

Tips

Expert Tips

Be sure to grease the custard cups with shortening and dust the cups with cocoa. Baking the cakes at the correct oven temperature for the right time are critical to the success of this recipe. If the centers are too cakelike in texture, bake a few minutes less the next time; if they’re too soft, bake a minute or two longer.

To make ahead, pour the batter into custard cups, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 24 hours. You may need to bake the cakes 1 to 2 minutes longer.